This chart
deals with state laws concerning dangerous or vicious animals.
Note that it is not the animals the state attempts to regulate,
but the persons who own, possess, or harbor them. We
distinguish between this sort of regulation and animal bite
issues. Animal bites are not activities, but events, and state
laws concerning them set the consequences for these events. If
you are searching for an insight into your state’s laws
concerning animal bites, we have set up a separate chart
concerning these. The two sorts of regulations sometimes
overlap.

Many
states have no rules regarding vicious or dangerous animals, or
regulations dealing only with dogs, or dealing only with dogs
that prey on livestock. Most vicious animal laws are directed
specifically toward dogs. If either is so in your state, do not
think that there is no regulation at all, or no regulation for
anything other than dogs. For one thing, laws of nuisance and
negligence liability still prevail and apply to a person who
owns, possesses, or harbors such animals. For another, many
states have devolved such regulation to county or municipal
regulation. It is beyond the scope of a resource such as this
to deal with all of these jurisdictions, numbering in the tens
of thousands in the United States. This is why we include a
link for each state that will give you contact information for
your county and municipal governments. If you are dealing with
an issue regarding an animal you consider dangerous or vicious,
your research is not complete until you follow up and contact
your local governments and inquire as to ordinances and
regulations that may apply.

Finally,
we have included links to the text of statutes in each state
that has them, as well as supplying highlights of the state’s
regulatory scheme. This is not done to be pedantic. Unlike
many things, statutes cannot really be summarized, as every word
of a statute the force of law, and cannot be omitted or
ignored. You should take the time to read the statute as well
as the highlights.

A
person who keeps a dangerous or vicious animal of any
kind, and through his negligent management of the animal
allows it to break free, is liable to any person damaged
personally or in his property as a result.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

General damages.

Remarks

In
the absence of a statutory definition, a standard
dictionary definition of “vicious” or “dangerous” would
logically apply.

“Any dog which when unprovoked has ever bitten or
attacked a human being is considered vicious within the
meaning of AS 03.55.010.”
Sec. 03-55-20

Highlights

Any person is lawfully entitled to kill a vicious dog
“running at large.”

Remedy, liability, or penalty

A
governmental agency may kill a vicious dog that
habitually attacks lifestock, fowl, etc., after notice
to the owner.
Sec. 03.55.030

Remarks

Note the predicate for legal sanction of killing a dog
by a private person is that the animal must be “running
at large.”

Arizona

Citation

Arizona Revised Statutes Sec.

Definition

“’Vicious animal’” means any animal of the order
carnivora that has a propensity to attack, to cause
injury to or to otherwise endanger the safety of human
beings without provocation, or that has been so declared
after a hearing before a justice of the peace or a city
magistrate.
Sec. 11-1001

Highlights

No female dog during her breeding or mating season nor a
vicious dog may be permitted at large.
Sec. 1012. Dogs not penned up on private property
must be on a leash, and all dogs over three months old
must be licensed.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Person who is bitten without provocation by a dog may
recover all damages suffered as a result.
Sec. 1025. Any biting animal of any kind my be
impounded by county authorities for 14 days.
Sec. 1014

California has an elaborate system of classifying and
defining dangerous animals. The reader should consult
Food and Agricultural Code Secs.
31602,
31603, and
31604.

Highlights

The local animal control agency may conduct a hearing to
determine whether the animal is potentially dangerous or
vicious, and upon a finding, the owner must keep the
animal securely penned on his property and take the off
of his property only if restrained by an appropriate
leash.
Sec. 31642.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

A
dog found to be potentially dangerous or vicious may be
destroyed upon a finding that it is a threat to the
public. The owner may be prohibited from owning any dog
and fined. Secs.
31645 & seq.
The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered
by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public
place or lawfully in a private place, including the
property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the
former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge
of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the
private property of such owner within the meaning of
this section when he is on such property in the
performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of
this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the
United States, or when he is on such property upon the
invitation, express or implied, of the owner.
Civ. Code Sec. 3342

"Dangerous dog" means any dog that: (I) Inflicts bodily
or serious bodily injury upon or causes the death of a
person or domestic animal; or (II) Demonstrates
tendencies that would cause a reasonable person to
believe that the dog may inflict bodily or serious
bodily injury upon or cause the death of any person or
domestic animal; or (III) Engages in or is trained for
animal fighting as described and prohibited in section
18-9-204. "Domestic animal" means any dog, cat, any
animal kept as a household pet, or livestock.

Highlights

Colorado statute prohibits the ownership, keeping, or
harboring of a dangerous dog.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

An
owner whose dangerous dog kills or injures another
animal, or damages other property, or kills or injures a
human being, is guilty of a misdemeanor or felony,
depending on the event, and is liable for criminal
penalties, restitution to the owner of animals or other
property damaged, and damages for personal injury.

The felidae, including, but not limited to, the lion,
leopard, cheetah, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi cat, puma,
lynx and bobcat; the canidae, including, but not limited
to, the wolf and coyote; and the ursidae, including, but
not limited to, the black bear, grizzly bear and brown
bear.

Highlights

No
person is permitted to possess a dangerous animal unless
in possession of a permit.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Animal control may locate and take custody of such
animals. Owner is liable for restitution of cost of
seizing and caring for or destroying such an animal, and
for civil penalties of $2000.

Remarks

Unlike some states, Connecticut has directed its
dangerous animals law at wild animals. See our chart on
dog bites for more information on dangerous dogs.

"Dangerous animal" means any dog or other animal which:
(1) Had been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous
by the Dog Control Panel pursuant to subchapter III of
Chapter 17 of Title 7; (2) Had been trained for animal
fighting, or that has been used primarily or
occasionally for animal fighting; (3) Had been
intentionally trained so as to increase its viciousness,
dangerousness or potential for unprovoked attacks upon
human beings or other animals; or (4) Has an
individualized and known propensity, tendency or
disposition, specific to the individual dog, for
viciousness, dangerousness or unprovoked attacks upon
human beings or other animals.

Highlights

Statute prohibits possession of such an animal.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Criminal liability varies depending on the type of
injury inflicted and upon whom or what, from misdemeanor
to felony.

"Dangerous dog" means any dog that according to the
records of the appropriate authority:

(a) Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or
has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public
or private property; (b) Has more than once severely
injured or killed a domestic animal while off the
owner's property; (c) Has been used primarily or in part
for the purpose of dog fighting or is a dog trained for
dog fighting; or (d) Has, when unprovoked, chased or
approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any
public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent
attitude of attack, provided that such actions are
attested to in a sworn statement by one or more persons
and dutifully investigated by the appropriate authority.

Highlights

Dog owner is liable to owner for damage done to other
animals and property caused by the dog. Dog owner is
liable for personal injuries caused by attack on a
person lawfully on public or private property, reduced
to the degree the person attached may have contributed
to the attack through negligence or willful acts.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Civil damages. If it has previously attacked a person,
criminal liability as a misdemeanor.

"Dangerous dog" means any dog that, according to the
records of an appropriate authority: (A) Inflicts a
severe injury on a human being without provocation on
public or private property at any time after March 31,
1989; or (B) Aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers
the safety of humans without provocation after the dog
has been classified as a potentially dangerous dog and
after the owner has been notified of such
classification. "Vicious dog" means any dog that
inflicts a severe injury on a human being without
provocation after the owner has notice that the dog has
previously bitten or attacked or endangered the safety
of a human being.

Highlights

Owner of a dog is liable for all damage to persons or
property done by the animal. In addition, owners of
dangerous dogs must register them and carry a minimum
$15,000 liability insurance. Vicious dogs must be
enclosed or restrained. Violation is punishable by
fines of a minimum of $300 to $500, and the animal may
be destroyed. In the case of dangerous or vicious dogs,
the violation of the statute constitutes a misdemeanor.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Vicious dogs must be enclosed or restrained. Violation
is punishable by fines of a minimum of $300 to $500, and
the animal may be destroyed.

Idaho has no law dealing with dangerous animals other
than dogs. A dog is dangerous where a complaint has
been made to the sheriff and a notice has been delivered
to the owner. It is vicious where it has bitten without
provocation or trespass. In either case, the animal
must be confined on the owners property and if taken
out, effectively restrained.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Damages caused by the dog, misdemeanor in case of
violation relating to vicious dog.

An
owner of a coydog or wolf hybrid must keep the animal in
a secure enclosure as defined above and not allow it out
of the enclosure except on a leash not more than 8 feet
long.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Failure to comply resulting in damage to person or
property is a misdemeanor. Failure to comply resulting
in death of a person is a felony. In addition, the
owner is subject to civil damages caused by the animal.

Remarks

Indiana’s dangerous animal’s law is directed at hybrids
of coyotes and wolves, as defined above.

"Dangerous wild animal"
means any of the following: (1) A member of the family
canidae of the order carnivora, including but not
limited to wolves, coyotes, and jackals. However, a
dangerous wild animal does not include a domestic dog.
(2) A member of the family hyaenidae of the order of
carnivora, including but not limited to hyenas. (3) A
member of the family felidae of the order carnivora,
including but not limited to lions, tigers, cougars,
leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, and servals. However, a
dangerous wild animal does not include a domestic cat.
(4) A member of the family ursidae of the order
carnivora, including bears and pandas. (5) A member of
the family rhinocero tidae order perissodactyla, which
is a rhinoceros. (6) A member of the order proboscidea,
which are any species of elephant. (7) A member of the
order of primates other than humans, and including the
following families: callitrichiadae, cebidae,
cercopithecidae, cheirogaleidae, daubentoniidae,
galagonidae, hominidae, hylobatidae, indridae, lemuridae,
loridae, megaladapidae, or tarsiidae. A member includes
but is not limited to marmosets, tamarins, monkeys,
lemurs, galagos, bushbabies, great apes, gibbons, lesser
apes, indris, sifakas, and tarsiers. (8) A member of
the order crocodilia, including but not limited to
alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials. (9) A
member of the family varanidae of the order squamata,
which are limited to water monitors and crocodile
monitors. (10) A member of the order squamata which is
any of the following: (a) A member of the family
varanidae, which are limited to water monitors and
crocodile monitors. (b) A member of the family
atractaspidae, including but not limited to mole vipers
and burrowing asps. (c) A member of the family
helodermatidae, including but not limited to beaded
lizards and gila monsters. (d) A member of the family
elapidae, voperidae, crotalidae, atractaspidae, or
hydrophidae which are venomous, including but not
limited to cobras, mambas, coral snakes, kraits, adders,
vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, pit vipers, keelbacks,
cottonmouths, and sea snakes. (e) A member of the
superfamily henophidia, which are limited to reticulated
pythons, anacondas, and African rock pythons. (11)
Swine which is a member of the species sus scrofa
linnaeus, including but not limited to swine commonly
known as Russian boar or European boar of either sex.
"Dangerous wild animal" includes an animal which is the
offspring of an animal provided in paragraph "a", and
another animal provided in that paragraph or any other
animal. It also includes animals which are the
offspring of each subsequent generation. However, a
dangerous wild animal does not include the offspring of
a domestic dog and a wolf, or the offspring from each
subsequent generation in which at least one parent is a
domestic dog.

Highlights

Iowa prohibits the importation of dangerous wild animals
into the state or the ownership or possession of such
animals unless the owner has complied with elaborate
registration and other procedures described in Section
717F.4. Anyone with an issue in that regard should read
the cited section of the Code.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Penalties are civil damages ranging from $200 to $2000
per animal for each violation.

Kansas’s statewide laws regarding dangerous animals are
restricted to a law giving the livestock commissioner
the authority to promulgate regulations regarding
animals that may endanger livestock, including stray
dogs. Local governments may have ordinances dealing
with the issue of dangerous animals, however.

Any dog determined to be vicious by a court and allowed
to be returned to an owner must be confined in a locked
enclosure at least seven feet high or a locked kennel
run with a secured top. The dog may leave the enclosure
only to visit the veterinarian or to be turned in to an
animal shelter. The dog must be muzzled if leaving the
enclosure for either of these purposes.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Any person may kill a dog that he observes attacking a
person. A livestock owner may also kill a dog he
perceives attacking his livestock. An owner is liable
for all personal injury and property damage inflicted by
the animal. A dog found to be vicious that is
discovered at large may be killed by an animal control
officer.

"Dangerous dog" means: (1) Any dog which when
unprovoked, on two separate occasions within the prior
thirty-six-month period, engages in any behavior that
requires a defensive action by any person to prevent
bodily injury when the person and the dog are off the
property of the owner of the dog; or (2) Any dog which,
when unprovoked, bites a person causing an injury; or
(3) Any dog which, when unprovoked, on two separate
occasions within the prior thirty-six-month period, has
killed, seriously bitten, inflicted injury, or otherwise
caused injury to a domestic animal off the property of
the owner of the dog.

Highlights

A
dangerous dog must be kept indoors at all times on the
owner’s property and properly restrained when out of
doors. Property must be signed.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

A
vicious dog must be euthanized. Violation of dangerous
dog statute may be fined up to $300.

"Dangerous dog" means a dog that bites an individual or
a domesticated animal who is not trespassing on the dog
owner's or keeper's premises at the time of the bite or
a dog that causes a reasonable and prudent person who is
not on the dog owner's or keeper's premises and is
acting in a reasonable and nonaggressive manner to fear
imminent bodily injury by assaulting or threatening to
assault that individual or individual's domestic animal.
"Dangerous dog" does not include a dog certified by the
State and used for law enforcement use. "Dangerous dog"
does not include a dog that bites or threatens to
assault an individual who is on the dog owner's or
keeper's premises if the dog has no prior history of
assault and was provoked by the individual immediately
prior to the bite or threatened assault.

Highlights

Any person may kill a dog observed to be attacking a
human being or domesticated animal. Once a dog is
determined to be dangerous under the procedures set out
in Sec. 3952, the owner must keep it in a secure
enclosure. Failure to comply can result in impoundment
of the animal.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Failure to comply with a court order or law enforcement
officer’s direction to confine the dog can result in
fines of from $250 to $1000. In addition, failure to
comply with an order to confine a dog that poses an
imminent threat to the public may be prosecuted for a
Class D crime.

A
dangerous dog is one that,
without provocation, has killed or inflicted severe
injury on a person, or it is a potentially dangerous
dog that bites a person, when not on its owner's real
property, kills or inflicts severe injury on a domestic
animal, or attacks without provocation.

Highlights

Once a dog is determined to be dangerous and the owner
is notified, the owner must never keep the dog
unattended unless it is restrained or securely penned
up. The dog may not leave the owner’s real property
unless muzzled and kept on a leash.

An
aggrieved person may make a complaint to a selectman or
other person charged with dealing with dog complaints
and that person will hear the matter and make a
determination of the disposition of the animal within
ten days. The order is in the discretion of the hearing
officer and may include restraint or destruction of the
animal.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Dog may be ordered restrained or destroyed. Attack by a
dog ordered restrained is compensated by triple civil
damages.

Remarks

The Massachusetts statutes focus on dogs. The scheme
for control and punishment of non-compliant owners is
elaborate and dog owners and those with issues
concerning dogs are urged to read all of the statutes
commencing with Section
140-136A through 40-174D.

“Dangerous animal” means a dog or other animal that
bites or attacks a person, or a dog that bites or
attacks and causes serious injury or death to another
dog while the other dog is on the property or under the
control of its owner. However, a dangerous animal does
not include any of the following: (i) An animal that
bites or attacks a person who is knowingly trespassing
on the property of the animal's owner. (ii) An animal
that bites or attacks a person who provokes or torments
the animal. (iii) An animal that is responding in a
manner that an ordinary and reasonable person would
conclude was designed to protect a person if that person
is engaged in a lawful activity or is the subject of an
assault.

Highlights

Animal may be found to be a dangerous animal and ordered
destroyed if it has killed a person or a dog, or
tattooed and registered if it has caused the death of an
animal or is likely to cause the death of a person or
animal.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

If
an adjudicated dangerous animal the owner is liable for
involuntary manslaughter charges if the animal escapes
and kills a person. Serious injury to a person is
punishable as a felony by four years imprisonment and a
fine of $2000. A non-serious injury is punishable as a
misdemeanor by 90 days imprisonment and up to a $500
fine. Allowing such an animal to run at large is
punishable as a misdemeanor by 90 days imprisonment and
up to a $500 fine.

"Dangerous dog" means any dog that has: (1) without
provocation, inflicted substantial bodily harm on a
human being on public or private property; (2) killed a
domestic animal without provocation while off the
owner's property; or (3) been found to be potentially
dangerous, and after the owner has notice that the dog
is potentially dangerous, the dog aggressively bites,
attacks, or endangers the safety of humans or domestic
animals. "Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog
that: (1) when unprovoked, inflicts bites on a human or
domestic animal on public or private property; (2) when
unprovoked, chases or approaches a person, including a
person on a bicycle, upon the streets, sidewalks, or any
public or private property, other than the dog owner's
property, in an apparent attitude of attack; or (3) has
a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack
unprovoked, causing injury or otherwise threatening the
safety of humans or domestic animals.

Highlights

Dangerous dogs must be registered, an identifying
microchip imbedded, and a $300,000 bond posted against
possible damages. Animal must be satisfactorily
confined.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Violation is punishable as a misdemeanor, and repeat
offenses as gross misdemeanors.

The State of Mississippi has delegated the control of
dangerous animals to its municipalities. Those with
issues regarding dangerous animals should contact their
municipality to determine the ordinances in their
jurisdiction.

The State of Montana has delegated the control of
dangerous animals to its municipalities. Those with
issues regarding dangerous animals should contact their
municipality to determine the ordinances in their
jurisdiction. See our Dog Bite chart concerning owner
liability for dog bites.

“Dangerous dog” means a dog that, according to the
records of an animal control authority: (i) Has killed a
human being; (ii) has inflicted injury on a human being
that requires medical treatment; (iii) has killed a
domestic animal without provocation; or (iv) has been
previously determined to be a potentially dangerous dog
by an animal control authority, the owner has received
notice from an animal control authority or an animal
control officer of such determination, and the dog
inflicts an injury on a human being that does not
require medical treatment, injures a domestic animal, or
threatens the safety of humans or domestic animals.
“Potentially dangerous dog” means (a) any dog that when
unprovoked (i) inflicts an injury on a human being that
does not require medical treatment, (ii) injures a
domestic animal, or (iii) chases or approaches a person
upon streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a
menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack or (b)
any specific dog with a known propensity, tendency, or
disposition to attack when unprovoked, to cause injury,
or to threaten the safety of humans or domestic animals.

Highlights

Dangerous dogs must be spayed or neutered, confined,
restrained when not in confinement, and not transported
from one municipality to another except in specific
circumstances.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Confiscation or destruction of the animal. Violation is
a Class IV misdemeanor. In case of violation resulting
in injury to human being, violation is a Class I
misdemeanor for first offense and Class IV felony for
repeat offenses.

A
dog is “Dangerous” if (1) It is so declared by a law
enforcement agency after its use in a crime; or (2)
Without provocation, on two separate occasions within 18
months, it behaves menacingly, to a degree that would
lead a reasonable person to defend himself or herself
against substantial bodily harm, when the dog is off the
premises of its owner or keeper; or not confined in a
cage, pen or vehicle. A dog is “Vicious” if: (1)
Without being provoked, it kills or inflicts substantial
bodily harm upon a human being; or (2) After its owner
or keeper has been notified by a law enforcement agency
that it is dangerous, it continues the behavior
described in the previous sentence.

Highlights

Keeping a vicious dog more than 7 days after notice of
the finding, or transferring it after notice of the
finding, is a misdemeanor. If a substantial bodily harm
results from keeping the animal, the owner is guilty of
a felony.

A
dog is considered to be a nuisance, a menace, or vicious
to persons or to property under any or all but not
limited to the following conditions:
(a) If a dog is ""at large,'' which means it is off the
premises of the owner or keeper and not under the
control of any person by means of personal presence and
attention as will reasonably control the conduct of such
dog, unless accompanied by the owner or custodian. This
subparagraph shall not include a dog which is being used
for hunting, supervised competition, exhibition, or
training for such activities if accompanied by the owner
or custodian, or a dog which is guarding, working, or
herding livestock, as defined in RSA 21: 34-a, II(a)(4),
meaning that the owner or custodian must be able to see
or hear the dog, or have reasonable knowledge of where
the dog is hunting or herding, or where training is
being conducted or where trials are being held, provided
that such dog does not have to be within sight at all
time;
(b) If it barks for sustained periods of more than 1/2
hour, or during the night hours so as to disturb the
peace and quiet of a neighborhood or area, not including
a dog which is guarding, working, or herding livestock,
as defined in RSA 21:34-a, II(a)(4);
(c) If it digs, scratches, or excretes, or causes waste
or garbage to be scattered on property other than its
owner's;
(d) If any female dog in season (heat) is permitted to
run at large or be off the premises of the owner or
keeper during this period except when being exercised on
a leash by a responsible adult. At all other times such
dog shall be confined within a building or enclosure in
such manner that she will not come in contact (except
for intentional breeding purposes) with a male dog. A
female dog in heat shall not be used for hunting;
(e) If it growls, snaps at, runs after, or chases any
person or persons not on the premises of the owner or
keeper;
(f) If it runs after, or chases bicycles, motor
vehicles, motorcycles, or other vehicles being driven,
pulled or pushed on the streets, highways, or public
ways;
(g) If, whether alone or in a pack with other dogs, it
bites, attacks, or preys on game animals, domestic
animals, fowl or human beings.

Highlights

If
a dog is allowed to run at large or not otherwise
properly restrained, a court may make such orders as are
necessary to deal with the nuisance caused.

A dog is potentially dangerous if it (1) caused bodily
injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(a) to a person during
an unprovoked attack, and poses a serious threat of
bodily injury or death to a person, or (2) severely
injured or killed another domestic animal, and (a) poses
a threat of serious bodily injury or death to a person;
or (b) poses a threat of death to another domestic
animal, or (3) has been trained, tormented, badgered,
baited or encouraged to engage in unprovoked attacks
upon persons or domestic animals.

Highlights

A
dog found to be vicious can be ordered destroyed after a
hearing in court. A potentially dangerous dog may be
ordered penned up and restrained to avoid danger to the
public. A dog identified as potentially dangerous must
wear distinctive licensing tags.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

The owner is liable for expenses incurred in seizing and
caring for the dog pending hearing and disposition. In
addition, the owner is liable for all damage done by the
animal and fines for violation of court orders up to
$1000 per day.

"Dangerous dog" means a dog that caused a serious injury
to a person or domestic animal.

Highlights

Dog may be seized on a warrant issued by a court and
either destroyed if the owner transfers it to the animal
control authority or released to the owner on conditions
imposed by the court. An elaborate set of requirements
for release may be imposed by the court as seen fit
under the circumstances under Section
77-1a-5.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

In
addition to impoundment and possible destruction of the
dog, the owner may be liable for violations of
conditions of release of a dangerous dog and charged
with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to first degree
felonies under section
77-1a-6.

None. Determination to be made by court upon report of
attack of dog on a person.

Highlights

Provides a process in which a determination may be made
that a dog is dangerous. Upon a finding that the dog is
dangerous, a series of restrictions on ownership may be
imposed up to permanent confinement or destruction of
the animal if aggravating circumstances are discovered.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

If
the dog attacks a person through the negligence of the
owner, a scale of penalties apply, depending on the
nature of the event and previous events, ranging from a
$400 fine to criminal prosecution.

North Carolina has delegated responsibility for control
of dangerous animals to its counties and
municipalities. Persons with issues concerning
dangerous animals should consult their county and
municipal governments.

A dog that is chasing or approaching in a menacing
fashion or apparent attitude of attack, that attempts to
bite or otherwise endanger, or that kills or injures a
person or a dog that chases, threatens, harasses,
injures, or kills livestock, poultry, other domestic
animal, or other animal, that is the property of another
person, except a cat or another dog, can be killed at
the time of that chasing, threatening, harassment,
approaching, attempt, killing, or injury.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

A
person who keeps, owns, or harbors a dog is liable for
any damage caused to persons or property, with a few
statutory exceptions.

"Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog that when
unprovoked inflicts bites on a human either on public or
private property, or when unprovoked attacks a dog which
results in the death of said dog either on public or
private property. "Dangerous dog" means any dog that
has inflicted severe injury on a human being without
provocation on public or private property, has been
previously found to be potentially dangerous, the owner
having received notice of such by the animal control
authority in writing and the dog thereafter aggressively
bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans, or
has been previously found to be potentially dangerous,
the owner having received notice of such by the animal
control authority in writing and the dog thereafter
attacks a dog which results in the death of said dog
either on public of private property.

Highlights

It
is lawful
lawful for a person to kill any animal of the family
canidae or the family felidae found chasing livestock
off the premises of the owner of such animal if the
person is the owner or occupant of the property on which
the animal is chasing the livestock or if the person is
authorized to kill such an animal by the owner or
occupant of such property. In addition, an owner of a
dangerous dog must keep the animal in an enclosure and
allow it out only if it is leashed and muzzled. The
owner must post a $50,000 liability insurance policy.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Failure to comply may result in confiscation and
destruction of the animal and constitutes a misdemeanor
punishable by up to one year imprisonment.

Oregon has devolved control control of dangerous animals
entirely to county governments but under an elaborate
enforcement and hearing procedure in Title 48 of its
statutes. In Title 48 is a series of provisions
prohibiting the keeping of exotic pets. Black bears and
Wolves seem to be permitted, although, thankfully,
crocodiles are prohibited.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

In
the case of issues with apparently vicious or dangerous
animals, contact with the county animal control agency
is recommended.

The dangerous animals law deals with dogs. Pennsylvania
law requires that dogs found to be dangerous be licensed
and tagged. An enclosure must be provided, together
with the posting of $50,000 of insurance or a surety
bond and payment of an annual registration fee of a
minimum of $500. Dangerous dogs may only be outside
their enclosure when leashed and muzzled.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Failure to comply with these requirements and other
orders is punishable as a misdemeanor on the first
offense. On the second, the owner may be punished in
addition with a $5000 fine, plus costs of prosecution
and maintenance of the animal while it is in custody,
and destruction of the animal. Attacks causing severe
injury or death may be punished as a misdemeanor of the
first degree by the owner.

Remarks

Pennsylvania requires that all dog attacks be reported
to the State dog warden.

"Vicious dog" means: any dog that, when unprovoked, in a
vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in
apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks,
or any public grounds or places; any dog with a known
propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack
unprovoked, to cause injury, or to otherwise endanger
the safety of human beings or domestic animals; any dog
that bites, inflicts injury, assaults, or otherwise
attacks a human being or domestic animal without
provocation on public or private property; or any dog
owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose
of dog fighting or any dog trained for dog fighting.

Highlights

Rhode Island’s dangerous animals laws deal with dogs and
exotic animals. City councils may determine the method
of registration and identification of dogs determined to
be dangerous. See section 4-13.1-3 for more details on
these requirements.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

An
owner of a vicious dog is strictly liable for damages
caused by an attack, regardless if the owner has abided
by the control provisions of the statutes. Violations
of the statutes may be punished by fines.

"Dangerous animal" means an animal of the canine or
feline family: which the owner knows or reasonably
should know has a propensity, tendency, or disposition
to attack unprovoked, cause injury, or otherwise
endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals;
which makes an unprovoked attack that causes bodily
injury to a human being and the attack occurs in a place
other than the place where the animal is confined as
required by Section 47-3-720; or commits unprovoked acts
in a place other than the place where the animal is
confined as required by Section 47-3-720 and those acts
cause a person to reasonably believe that the animal
will attack and cause bodily injury to a human being;
which is owned or harbored primarily or in part for the
purpose of fighting or which is trained for fighting.

Highlights

Dangerous animals must be kept confined unless leashed
and muzzled. Ownership of animals kept for fighting is
prohibited altogether.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Violations can result in the destruction of the animal
and punishment of the owner by penalties ranging from
several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars and up
to three years imprisonment.

A vicious dog is: Any dog which, when unprovoked, in a
vicious or terrorizing manner approaches in apparent
attitude of attack, or bites, inflicts injury, assaults,
or otherwise attacks a human being upon the streets,
sidewalks, or any public grounds or places; or any dog
which, on private property, when unprovoked, in a
vicious or terrifying manner approaches in apparent
attitude of attack, or bites, or inflicts injury, or
otherwise attacks a mailman, meter reader, serviceman,
journeyman, delivery man, or other employed person who
is on private property by reason of permission of the
owner or occupant of such property or who is on private
property by reason of a course of dealing with the owner
of such private property.

Highlights

South Dakota deals with the ownership of vicious dogs as
a public nuisance.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

As
with any public nuisance, any person or entity affected
by the nuisance may maintain a civil suit for damages
and injunction.

"Dangerous dog" means a dog that: makes an unprovoked
attack on a person that causes bodily injury and occurs
in a place other than an enclosure in which the dog was
being kept and that was reasonably certain to prevent
the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own; or
commits unprovoked acts in a place other than an
enclosure in which the dog was being kept and that was
reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the
enclosure on its own and those acts cause a person to
reasonably believe that the dog will attack and cause
bodily injury to that person.

Highlights

The owner of a dangerous dog has a responsibility to
keep the animal in an enclosure or restrained. Failure
to do so may result in seizure of the animal and its
destruction.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Seizure and destruction of the animal after hearing or
prosecution of the owner for criminal negligence in case
the animal causes serious harm.

Utah has no statutes specifically dealing with dangerous
or vicious animals. See our materials on dog bites and
contact local government for information on county or
municipal ordinances dealing with the issue. Note also
that the keeping or harboring of dangerous animals may
be subject to general principals of tort and nuisance
law.

"Wolf-hybrid" means an animal which is the progeny or
descendant of a domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and a
wolf (Canis lupus or Canis rufus). "Wolf-hybrid" also
means an animal which is advertised, registered,
licensed or otherwise described or represented as a
wolf-hybrid by its owner or an animal which exhibits
primary physical and behavioral wolf characteristics.

Highlights

Any person may kill a domestic pet or wolf hybrid found
attacking a person or another animal when reasonably
necessary. Owners are liable for all damages caused by
dangerous animals and may be fined by their local town
councils as well. Enforcement of this protection law is
devolved to the individual municipalities.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Remedies include fines, impoundment of the animal, or
its destruction.

"Dangerous dog" means a canine or canine crossbreed that
has bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury on a person or
companion animal that is a dog or cat, or killed a
companion animal that is a dog or cat. When a dog
attacks or bites a companion animal that is a dog or
cat, the attacking or biting dog shall not be deemed
dangerous: (i) if no serious physical injury as
determined by a licensed veterinarian has occurred to
the dog or cat as a result of the attack or bite; (ii)
if both animals are owned by the same person; (iii) if
such attack occurs on the property of the attacking or
biting dog's owner or custodian; or (iv) for other good
cause as determined by the court. "Vicious dog" means a
canine or canine crossbreed that has: (i) killed a
person; (ii) inflicted serious injury to a person,
including multiple bites, serious disfigurement, serious
impairment of health, or serious impairment of a bodily
function; or (iii) continued to exhibit the behavior
that resulted in a previous finding by a court or, on or
before July 1, 2006, by an animal control officer as
authorized by ordinance, that it is a dangerous dog,
provided that its owner has been given notice of that
finding.

Highlights

Dangerous dogs must be securely enclosed and restrained
and muzzled when not enclosed. Such animals must also
be registered. The owner must post a $100,000 insurance
policy or surety bond against possible damage or injury.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Failure to comply can result in an escalating series of
penalties from misdemeanors to felonies, and damages for
harm caused by the animal.

"Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog that when
unprovoked: (a) Inflicts bites on a human or a domestic
animal either on public or private property, or (b)
chases or approaches a person upon the streets,
sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion
or apparent attitude of attack, or any dog with a known
propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack
unprovoked, to cause injury, or to cause injury or
otherwise to threaten the safety of humans or domestic
animals. "Dangerous dog" means any dog that (a)
inflicts severe injury on a human being without
provocation on public or private property, (b) kills a
domestic animal without provocation while the dog is off
the owner's property, or (c) has been previously found
to be potentially dangerous because of injury inflicted
on a human, the owner having received notice of such and
the dog again aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers
the safety of humans.
Potentially dangerous wild or exotic animals are defined
in the statutes included at
13.30.002 et seq.

Highlights

Dangerous dogs must be kept in an enclosure and may be
let out only if restrained and muzzled. Potentially
dangerous dogs are left to regulation by
municipalities. No one may
own, possess, keep, harbor, bring into the state, or
have custody or control of a potentially dangerous wild
animal, with a few exceptions for vets, scientific
institutions, and the like.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Owner’s liability for damage to person or property of
another is strict and unlimited. Dangerous dogs may be
confiscated and destroyed. Violations of the wild
animals law may be punished by civil penalties of from
$200 to $2000 per animal, and confiscation of the
animal.

Remarks

Washington’s dangerous animal laws deal with dogs with a
special set of statutes, and other animals separately.

No
person may keep a dog that is known to the owner to be
vicious, dangerous, or in the habit of biting other
persons. This is the case whether or not the animal is
enclosed, leashed, or muzzled. A vicious dog may be
kept as personal protection upon registration and
payment of a fee.

Remedy, liability, or penalty

Upon a finding that the dog is vicious, the court may
order a humane officer to kill it. Punishment is a
misdemeanor.

While Wisconsin has no statute specifically covering
dangerous or vicious animals, this does not mean that
the problem is not dealt with under other tort or
nuisance theories, or that there is not significant
local government regulation beyond the scope of this
chart.